Chapter 179
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Preston just felt bored. Anyway, Cynthia didn’t even look. He quietly put his shirt back on.
As everyone gathered to savor the chicken cacciatore, the broth gleamed with a rich assortment of ingredients. The chicken was so tender it melted in your mouth, and the shrimp added a delightful fragrance.
Jessie, true to her word, took her allergy pills and dug in. Midway through, tears streamed down her face. She tugged at Jonathan’s sleeve, her voice emotional. “Can you cook for me for the rest of my life?”
Jonathan, unmoved, tugged his sleeve free. “Jessie, just eat, okay? No talking.”
With that, Jessie buried her face in her food. The rest of the group began to sing the dish’s praises.
Ethan, after a few bites, complimented, “Jonathan, this is hands down the best dish I’ve ever tasted.”
Alex, not to be outdone, added after sampling it, “The flavors are spot on. Where’d you learn to cook like this, Mr. Bennett?”
Jonathan shrugged it off. “I’m self–taught, really.”
Preston, feeling a bit left out, asked between bites, “But I thought you weren’t into cooking?”
Preston had always looked up to Jonathan. Whatever his uncle was into, so was he. Since his uncle hadn’t been into cooking, Preston hadn’t seen the point in learning. Yet here his uncle was, cooking like a pro.
Jonathan replied nonchalantly, “I picked it up after reading something.”
“What did you read?” Preston pressed.
“None of your business,” Jonathan dismissed.
Preston was left without a response.
The live chat was ablaze with speculation.
[Could it be, “To win someone’s heart, you must first capture their stomach“?]
[Let’s get rid of these love–struck people.]
[Anyone could be love–struck. With Mr. Bennett’s status, countless women would cook for him. So he must have done it for a man!]
[Kick this one out too.]
[Honestly, Mr. Bennett now looks even more charming.]
[Isn’t anyone finding it strange what Preston said? Is it possible that Preston knew Mr. Bennett before?]
Meanwhile, Cynthia was relishing her meal. Jonathan’s cooking was on par with a five–star chef. The best dishes she’d ever tasted were made by Rachel and, of course, Jonathan.
Abby, who’d found her appetite, looked down at her empty bowl. It was the smallest one, and she’d barely started when it was gone. She glanced at Nina’s bowl. “Nina, why aren’t you eating?”
Nina shook her head, her voice soft. “I’m not hungry.”
Before Abby could respond, Jessie reached over, took Nina’s bowl, and poured its contents into her own, “Nina, I’ll finish it for you.”
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Abby stood there, surprised,
“You guys cat. I’m going back to the tent to rest,” Nina said, leaving first. Jonathan didn’t look her way, but he did have a slight frown on his face.
After dinner, it was already very late. It was time for today’s round of the heart votes. But before voting, the program wanted everyone to rank today’s dishes from first to last.
Jonathan’s chicken cacciatore was a hit, earning him the top spot. On the other hand, Preston and Abby’s grilled eel didn’t fare so well. Abby got sick after grilling it, and no one wanted to try it.
The production team wasn’t in a hurry to hand out rewards or punishments. They asked everyone to vote with their hearts first.
A drone buzzed in to announce the results. “Today, only one pair matched successfully–Alex and Nina. Now, head to Angel Island for your romantic date!”
The news surprised everyone. Nina’s feelings were no secret, but Jonathan’s were a mystery, and no one dared to ask.
The helicopter had landed, and Jonathan approached Nina. “Nina, come with me,” he said.
Nina’s mood brightened a bit, and she followed him to a spot away from the cameras. Jonathan’s gaze was cold I told you from the start, Alex is probably one of Whitney’s people. Why get involved with him? You could’ve voted for anyone else.”
Nina felt that Jonathan’s voice was cold, not as gentle as before. Nina’s voice was shaky. “Is it okay to vote for anyone else? Anyone but you, right?”
Her eyes welled up as she finally found the courage to confront the tension between them. Jonathan looked at her intently and said, “It doesn’t have to be me.”
‘Is that his answer?‘ Nina’s heart sank, and tears streamed down her face. Without a word, she stepped back and ran towards the helicopter.
Alex was already waiting by the helicopter. Nina got on, and Alex followed her inside.
Jonathan watched them leave, feeling a bit helpless and worried.
After Jonathan returned, the director started announcing the prizes and consequences for today’s cooking contest winners and losers.
The last place penalty was a 3–mile run on the beach. Preston didn’t mind since he was accustomed to running before bed, but for Abby, it was a nightmare.
In the past few days, she had barely eaten anything, but today she finally had enough of an appetite to take a bite. Abby didn’t get far before collapsing on the ground.
Jessie was all eagerness, calling out to the drone, “What about the prizes for Jonathan and Cynthia?” But before she could finish, the distant thud of a helicopter cut her off.
The drone spun around, its speaker crackling with excitement. First place wins a romantic date on Angel Island. Shocking. right? It’s pretty thrilling!”
Cynthia was at a loss for words. Being alone with Jonathan wasn’t her idea of a good time, but she climbed aboard the helicopter with him anyway.
Angel Island was a stone’s throw from Devil Island, and the helicopter touched down in just ten minutes. As they arrived, a castle–like villa came into view. A butler greeted them, giving a rundown of the island’s offerings.
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The island was a private getaway, courtesy of a reclusive billionaire who provided it for the show.
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It had everything: horse tracks, golf courses, a wildlife sanctuary and more. There were bars, restaurants, and even a grand theater, all staffed by hundreds ready to entertain at a moment’s notice.
There are many people on the island, but mostly they are staff. They only serve the billionaire and any guests she occasionally brings over. The theater alone has hundreds of staff just to perform for her whenever she visits.
After the butler’s tour, he led them into the villa, which was massive. Cynthia looked around, wide–eyed, and asked, “Are Alex and Nina staying here tonight too?”
